Advanced Driver training/testing.
Turbo Mini Forums

Either IAM or ROSPA

Anyone had any experience with either of them ?

Good or bad ?

My experience with IAM - which started over a year ago and should have been closed two months later but they won't leave me alone - has been nothing but appalling.

It's just that I've seen a few experiences similar to mine on the internet recently so just wondering if anyone else on here thought that getting an advanced qualification would be a good idea.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

I’ve been a IAM member for about 20 years. Can’t say it’s ever been a hassle - they take my money and send me a cheap membership card and some glossy magazines every year.

Do I get any benefit from it? Probably not other than knowing I’ve done it. The ‘discounts’ are worth diddly squat and although it goes on my insurance quotes every year I’ve never been asked for proof.

I would have to say that i would defend the IAM....

People these days spend so much money on things such as cars and bikes but they never spend money on themselves.

Take motorcycles for instance. (I know not everyone will get this but for reference)

They have no issues with a spend of

6,000 average on a bike.
1200+ for their waterproofs and protective clothes.
300+ for a helmet.
150+ footwear/gloves.

But what do they actually spend on training themselves to be safe.
100 for a cbt.(one day- legally required.)
300+ for a direct access course to pass a legally required test..

Then they stop their training and learn on the job as such
...

Spend alittle time listening to the IAM and you will develop.
Annoys me that most people driving will look only as far as the bumper of the car ahead of them.
So much can be gained from looking far distance.... middle distance and then... near distance(the bumpser).

Got to give yourself a chance to see stuff before it is a problem and we all pay far to much for insurance as it is...

Put some money into yourself to become a better driver...

Just my thoughts..

I agree IAM is probably just knowing that you have done it, but it does have value for most people beyond that. I know I am swifter and safer than I used to be.
My experience of the Observers (the trainers) who are all unpaid volunteers is that with very few exceptions they are good people and nice to know.
I went on to do enhanced advance and had a great social scene as well.

Fun fact: My grandma was the oldest ever IAM member to pass her test and got some special award and honour. She was very proud of that. It seemed like a lot of palaver to me at the time, but seeing the crazies on the roads these days, yeah - I get it now...

Just to clarify...

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

I did the IAM 20+ years ago -- a volunteer sat in my car as a passenger guiding me through what the examiner would expect (left-foot braking a definite no-no). In the end, had my exam in Berkshire with a police man and passed (in a straight-cut Mini ofc). Fun part was giving the driving commentary.

No bad recollections, went to a few IAM meetings and let membership lapse after a few years.